Data Export fails because of SFTP Server

[Bill]

Call Manager version 12.5.1.18100-14

I am trying to do a Data Export in prep for a server migration.
'utils system upgrade dataexport initiate'
But the routine fails because of the SFTP server.

The log message shows this: Server failed validation or is unreachable

This is the same SFTP server we use for DRS backups, using the same settings.
The DRS backups work fine.

We also tried a new SFTP server, and got the same results.
I can perform a DRS backup successfully with either SFTP server, but I cannot get the Data Export to run using the same servers.

The SFTP servers are Linux boxes.
I do not have full details on them.

Is there something different that the Data Export expects from the SFTP servers, than the DRS service?
Or are there any better logs than just ‘failed validation’ ?

I also tried with Unity Connection 12.5 and got the same results.

Thanks

[Nithin Eluvathingal]

When Dataexport, it create a folder within the specified SFTP folder. This folder has a specific name that includes the IP address of the Node. The export may fail if it’s unable to create this folder or if it lacks the necessary permissions to do so.

If my memory serves me right, another factor to consider is that after executing the ‘utils system upgrade dataexport initiate’ command, the CLI will prompt you to input the necessary details. If you make an error and use the backspace key, the export might not function as anticipated. It’s essential to input the details correctly without any errors.

By the way, which product are you exporting data for? If it’s CUCM and IMP, I would recommend using PCD as it automates these processes.

[Bill]

Nithin

Thanks for the reply.
You are correct, the Data Export routine creates a folder called cluster-IPADDRESS
Then puts a couple files in there.
I believe it does the folder creation a little later in the routine, as I have watched successful ones.
Initially the routine checks for the SFTP server, before starting the data export.
It later creates the folder once it starts to move the data.

I never get that far, it fails almost immediately when doing the initial SFTP server check.
I am sure I am entering the credentials properly, and the user account has permission to create/delete, etc.

I need to migrate Call Manager, IM&P, and Unity Connection.
I’ve had bad experiences with PCD – My last couple attempts failed, and was able to complete the process using Data Migration.
I might consider PCD for UCM/IMP. But for Unity I will need to Export.

[Bill · Accepted solution]

Using packet captures, we found the issue.

Apparently Call Manager pings the SFTP server to validate if it is up, rather than test with TCP port 22.
Our security policy blocks pings between subnets.
Once we allowed pings, the Data Export started working.

[Nithin Eluvathingal]

Thanks, @Bill , for sharing this. All my data exports were behind a firewall, and I’ve never encountered this situation. I wasn’t aware that the CUCM sends ICMP packets to ensure its reachability.